Mandrake Linux 8.1 Available for Download

Mandrake Linux 8.1 Available for Download
[ Thanks to Kadjo N'Doua for this link. ]

MandrakeSoft today announced the immediate availability of Mandrake Linux 8.1 for download from http://www.linux-mandrake.com. With this new version, MandrakeSoft widens its range of services and confirms its commitment to offer the most complete, user-friendly and server-adapted Linux operating system available.

"This new version includes MandrakeOnline, MandrakeSoft's new online service and increases our range of offerings", stated Frederic Bastok, co-founder & CTO of MandrakeSoft. "Our user-friendly and powerful solution comprises over 2,500 applications including StarOffice the complete office suite compatible with MS Office. Moreover Mandrake Linux 8.1 is specifically designed to suit the server market".

Full services included

MandrakeOnline, MandrakeSoft's new online service offers many possibilities:

Alerts on security or package updates according to hardware and software configuration
Email alias "name@mandrakeonline.net"
Special rebates for MandrakeExpert, MandrakeSoft's online support platform www.mandrakeexpert.com

The best graphical interfaces

MandrakeSoft continues to build on its promise of offering an easy-to-use and fully graphical Linux operating system for both the novice and professional user with the latest leading Open Source environments.

The 8.1 version contains the best possible graphical interfaces available in their latest version, including:

KDE 2.2.1, the user-friendly environment with the most integrated and easy-to-use features:
Konqueror: The versatile file and web browser now includes enhanced JavaScript support and better HTML rendering
Kmail: The integrated and powerful KDE mail client now includes support for IMAP servers and many ergonomic enhancements
KOffice 1.1: The complete and light-weight KDE office suite has undergone major changes since version 1.0 (complete rewrite of Kword, inclusion of a new chart application called KVivio, improvement of MS Office filters,...)
GNOME 1.4.1, the most powerful user environment with many enhancements such as:
Nautilus 1.0.4: The new GNOME file browser features major speed improvements and many ergonomic enhancements based on user's feedback
Mozilla 0.9.4: The integrated Web Browser and communication suite now has dramatic speed improvements and better usability

MandrakeSoft's user-friendly specific tools

Mandrake Control Centre, the one-stop location to set-up and administer entire machines with :
LogDrake: An easy tool to monitor computer activity (through logs)
Embedded root console available for maintenance purposes
MandrakeFirstTime: An easy-to-use wizard that helps to set-up desktop environment (KDE, GNOME, ...), choose a theme and configure email settings

Complete and powerful server solutions

Enterprise Kernel 2.4.8: This special edition of the Kernel comes with native support for HI Memory (1024 MB) and SMP (Symetric Multi Processing)
Full support for Journalised FileSystems: XFS, Ext3, ReiserFS and JFS come in standard ensuring files integrity
Special version of Samba: Combined with XFS and latest kernel, Samba 2.2.1a allows Windows? file sharing with the same fine-grained permissions as Windows? NT.
A full-featured groupware suite accessible anywhere from a simple web browser with secure connection

Easy-to-use installation and system management utilities

Server configuration wizards for a faster and more convenient use (Web Mail, Firewall, File & Printer sharing, ...)
Mandrake Server CD: A complete server orientated distribution featuring the best Open Source server software combined with Mandrake Linux easy-to-use DrakX installer
Web Administration with Webmin: allows easy configuration DNS, Samba, NFS, local/remote file systems and more from any computer with a secure browser connection
URPMI and APT: Automated software management systems URPMI and APT provide a hassle-free way to install and upgrade applications
Auto-Install tool: Servers and workstations are duplicated effortlessly with the new "auto install" feature

Immediate preorders on MandrakeStore

Users can from now on pre-order Mandrake Linux 8.1 PowerPack and ProSuite Editions on http://www.mandrakestore.com and receive immediately for free 2 CDs, plus the PowerPack / ProSuite at the end of October.

Different packages of Mandrake Linux 8.1 soon available

Continuing its strong retail presence and relationship with The Pearson Technology Group, Mandrake Linux 8.1 will be available at the end of October at leading software retailers in three distinct packages:

Mandrake Linux Standard Edition:

The key to Linux. It includes 3 CDs plus detailed Installation Guide. Both beginners and experienced users will appreciate the easy-to-use graphical installer which features automated hardware detection.

Mandrake Linux PowerPack Edition:

All the power of Linux. It includes 7 CDs packed with thousands of the latest Linux applications, a comprehensive Installation & User Guide, plus a detailed Reference Manual. Based on the award winning Mandrake Linux operating system, the PowerPack includes the best Open Source and commercial applications currently available for Linux. With easy-to-use wizards and customized configuration tools, PowerPack 8.1 is ideally suited for setting-up quickly and easily a full-featured workstation.

Mandrake Linux ProSuite Edition:

The Linux server solution. It includes 9 CDs (with a special Mandrake Server CD) + 1 DVD packed with thousands of the latest Linux applications and server configuration wizards. Designed for small and medium businesses, Mandrake Linux ProSuite Edition 8.1 has been specifically customized to include all the necessary tools to rapidly and easily build a Linux Server Solution. ProSuite Edition 8.1 will scale easily for large enterprise deployments.

Mandrake Linux 8.1 OEM Edition and Masters CD (to make their pre-installation easier) will also be available for desktops & servers at leading wholesalers. For more information: oem@mandrakesoft.com.
For further information: http://www.mandrakesoft.com/products/81

About MandrakeSoft

MandrakeSoft provides a trusted interface between users of information technology and open source developers. The company offers customers in the small office, home office (SoHo), small and medium size enterprise, government and educational sectors a set of GNU Linux and Open-Source software and related services, user-friendly and highly competitive information technologies at a very attractive total cost of ownership.

In addition, MandrakeSoft offers technologists committed to open software and courseware a trusted channel to offer their services.

The company has technologists in over 20 countries, and entered Paris Euronext March? Libre on July 30th, 2001 (Euroclear code : 4477.PA ; Reuters code : MAKE.PA). The Mandrake Linux distribution received the awards for "Best Product of theYear" and "Best Linux Distribution/Server" at LinuxWorld Expo 99, as well as the PC Answers Platinum Award in April 2000, the Linux Magazine Editor's Choice Award in September 2000 and the Chip Magazine "Best Technique and Winner of the Test" in December 2000.

'Born on the Internet' in late 1998, MandrakeSoft established headquarters in Pasadena (U.S.), Montreal (Canada), England, Germany and Paris (Europe). Please visit the Web site, http://www.mandrakesoft.com for more information.
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